The Collection for Work Among the Colored People by C. N. WOODWARD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 27, 1908

The Collection for Work Among the Colored People

By C. N. WOODWARD

C. N. WOODWARD

ONLY a little more than a month remains before the date set for taking the collection for carrying on work among the colored people in the South. Recent Testimonies have told us that the work for this people will be cut short on account of prejudice, and that what we do for them must be done quickly.

I am sure that the millions of black people in this country are part of the “all nations” who are to hear the sound of the third angel’s message, and we are indebted to them to the extent of giving them the knowledge of the truth. The Lord has held back the prejudice which has existed in many places against white people working for the colored people until workers of their own color could be educated and trained for this work; but it is very evident that this restraining power will not long be exercised.

The Southern, the Southeastern, and Southwestern union conferences have in the past been the recipients of all this fund, save a small portion given to another conference; but with the exception of one year the amount received has never been at all sufficient to carry on the work which had been started, and which it seemed imperatively necessary to maintain. None of these conferences are strong financially; and they must have assistance in order to carry on this work.

It is quite plain that this assistance will have to come from other portions of this country, which have long been favored with a knowledge of the truth, and where strongly organized conferences now exist. It would seem to be a privilege for them to pass on to their brethren of the weaker conferences some of the means the Lord has so bountifully given them, so that this work shall not be retarded. Every dollar of the means thus given will be faithfully placed where it will accomplish the greatest possible good for this people.

I can not speak for the other union conferences, except to say, in a general way, that they are pushing the work as much as the means at their command will permit; but for our own union conference I can say that what we received last year was only sufficient to keep our work going for about six months, since which time we have had to provide otherwise.

At the last session of the Southwestern Union Conference last winter, the care of the work for the colored people, which had for several years been under the supervision of the union conference, was again given to the local State conferences. This was thought to be a good move, as the local conferences can handle the work at a much closer range than the union.

Next to the question of means in our union conference is the need for well-trained colored workers. But with the means in hand this can be largely removed, as we have some bright young colored people who love the truth, and with proper training will make good workers for their own people. We now have several attending the Oakwood Industrial School, whom we have been helping some, and it is their burden and purpose when they have finished their course there, to return to this field, and take up the work for their own people. All of these, we confidently expect, will make useful workers. One of them will finish his studies during the coming year, and we hope to be able to give him work as soon as he is ready.

While the hearts of our brethren having means are responding to the needs of other lands, we appeal to them to turn their eyes upon this needy and important work right at their doors, and by their liberal contributions enable those who are under the load in these union conferences to finish the work speedily, as the Lord directs.

Keene, Tex.